By Vincent Gunde
A Concerned Citizen of Malawi Lumbani Kaunda, has written an open letter to the Malawi Police Service (MPS) demanding their duty to protect citizens and not to harm them as evidenced with the ugly scenes in Mzuzu on Tuesday.
Kaunda said he was deeply disappointed by the police response to the demonstrations in Mzuzu saying it was shocking that the officers directed teargas canisters toward his office at Saint John of God and the whole institution was in smoke.
He said the institution provides essential public services including a Clinic for individuals with mental health challenges, a school for children with disabilities and support for the elderly, among other services.
In an open letter to the Malawi Police Service (MPS) Kaunda has questioned the police how could they endanger such vulnerable groups by launching tear gas directly on to their premises saying he was expecting their presence was to ensure the safety of their staff, clients and property- not to attack them.
“Do you expect people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with mental health to flee under such conditions? Should we be forced to shut down our services because of your actions?” reads an open letter in part.
Kaunda has urged the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to reconsider their approach and ensure that institutions like theirs remain safe during such situations.
On his part, Political activist Bon Kalindo has condemned the police in Mzuzu for their teargas which landed in the residential areas saying in other countries, this is an international human right abuse but is happening in Malawi.
Kalindo said MDF and Police officers are the ones who are in pain and suffering braving heavy rains to make sure that there is law and order during the time of demonstrations but they are in the forefront abusing citizens for the same demos that will bring change of government in September, 2025 elections.
He said the demonstrations in Mzuzu and Zomba on Tuesday, have proved that things are not well in Malawi, the cost of living is high, children are not going to school as their parents and guardians are failing to pay school fees, among other challenges.
The activist has claimed that President Chakwera’s HI-5 where he told the nation that no child will be sent back home because of school fees, was just a dream come not true and a lie only to fool Malawians to vote for him into office on 23rd June, 2020.
Kalindo has finally thanked Member of Parliament for Zomba City Constituency Bester Awali and Shadow Mpunga for patronizing the Zomba demonstrations urging those organizing future demonstrations for Vendors to go for demonstrations and not money from MCP to stop the planned demonstrations for Malawi to be liberated.
